Adaptable shoe

ABSTRACT

A first item of footwear is provided including a midsole; an upper, releasably coupled to the midsole; and a sole releasably coupled to the midsole. A second item of footwear is provided including a sole; an upper, releasably coupled to the sole; and a toe support releasably coupled to the sole. A third item of footwear is provided including: a sole; a first upper portion attached to the sole; and a second upper portion releasably coupled to first upper portion, such that the second upper portion can be coupled to the first upper portion while the shoe is being worn.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to footwear that can be adapted.

BACKGROUND ART

Footwear was initially provided as a means for protecting the feet, andproviding comfort when walking or running. For example, shoes canprotect a wearer's feet from sharp objects, provide grip, and providecomfort when walking or running.

More recently, fashion has had a great influence on footwear. High heelsare an example of shoes that serve little functional purpose, other thanappearing to increase the height of the wearer.

A problem with footwear of the prior art is that fashion changes, attimes rapidly. As such, shoes that are still in good condition are oftendiscarded for shoes of a new style, which is both costly and bad for theenvironment.

Furthermore, different shoes are generally provided for differentseasons. For example, winter footwear may comprise high boots, whereassummer footwear may comprise shoes or low boots.

Certain attempts have been made to provide shoes that can be adapted tosuit a particular fashion or purpose. However, such shoes are generallyuncomfortable, difficult to modify, or very limited in how they can bemodified.

It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication isreferred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission thatthe publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art inAustralia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention is directed to footwear, which may at leastpartially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages orprovide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

With the foregoing in view, according to a first aspect, the presentinvention resides broadly in an item of footwear including:

-   -   a midsole;    -   an upper, releasably coupled to the midsole; and    -   a sole releasably coupled to the midsole.

According to certain embodiments, the item of footwear is very versatileas different sections of the shoe can be changed for style, comfort andwear and tear.

The sole may comprise an insole or an outer sole.

The item of footwear may comprise a boot, a shoe, a sandal or a wedge.

The upper may be releasably coupled to the midsole by a plurality ofretaining members. Similarly, the sole may be releasably coupled to themidsole by a plurality of retaining members.

The retaining members may be press-fit retaining members.

The retaining members may comprise bulbous heads and retaining slots forreceiving the bulbous heads. The retaining slots may include retainingarms for retaining the bulbous heads.

The midsole may include at least a portion of the retaining slots. Theupper may include a portion of the bulbous heads. Similarly, the solemay include a portion of the bulbous heads. The midsole may include allof the retaining slots.

The bulbous heads of the upper and the bulbous heads of the sole may bearranged on the upper and the sole such that they attach to the midsolein an alternate arrangement along a perimeter of the midsole.

The sole may comprises a forward sole, for supporting a front portion ofthe item of footwear, and a heel for supporting a rear portion of theitem of footwear.

The sole may comprise an insole, for supporting a foot of a wearer ofthe item of footwear. The insole may further provide a means forattachment of the upper. As such, the upper may be indirectly coupled tothe midsole by the insole.

A receptacle may be provided in the midsole. The receptacle may beconfigured to store components of the shoe. The shoe may include a nearfield communication device, in the receptacle. The receptacle may beconfigured to receive a shank, for supporting the midsole.

The bulbous heads may be formed of metal or plastic. The retaining slotsmay comprise metal tracks.

The upper may comprise leather, canvas, or any other suitable natural orman-made material. The sole can comprise resin, rubber, leather, or anyother suitable material.

The upper may comprise a first upper portion and a second upper portion.The first upper portion may extend from a first side of the midsole to asecond side of the midsole.

The first upper portion may comprise bulbous heads, and an intermediateportion extending between the bulbous heads. The intermediate portionmay comprise a leather portion from which metallic bulbous heads extend.Alternatively, the first upper portion may be integrally formed.

The midsole may be adjustable in length.

The heel may comprise first and second heel portions, releasably coupledto each other.

Preferably, the upper comprises a locking member, configured to bereceived by and locked into a channel of the midsole.

According to a second aspect, the present invention resides broadly inan item of footwear including:

-   -   a sole;    -   an upper, releasably coupled to the sole; and    -   a toe support releasably coupled to the sole.

The toe support enables the item of footwear to be adapted from a shoe,for example, to a flip-flop.

The toe support may comprise a boss. The boss may prevent the foot fromlifting away from the sandal.

The sole may comprise a midsole, coupled to the upper, and an outer solereleasably coupled to the midsole.

The sole may comprise a midsole and an insole, wherein the insole isreleasably coupled to the midsole.

The upper may be releasably coupled to the sole using the retainingmembers of the first aspect.

According to a third aspect, the present invention resides broadly in anitem of footwear including:

-   -   a sole;    -   a first upper portion attached to the sole; and    -   a second upper portion releasably coupled to first upper        portion, such that the second upper portion can be coupled to        the first upper portion while the shoe is on.

The first and second upper portions enable the item of footwear to beadapted heightwise, for example from a shoe to a boot.

The first upper portion may be releasably attached to the sole.

The sole may comprise a midsole, coupled to the first upper portion, andan outer sole releasably coupled to the midsole. The sole may comprise amidsole, and an insole coupled to the midsole.

The second upper portion may include an internal pocket.

The first upper portion may comprise a shoe-like upper portion,enclosing a foot of a wearer, and the second upper portion may comprisea tube-like portion, enclosing a calf of the wearer.

The second upper portion may be releasably coupled to first upperportion by a zipper. Alternatively, the second upper portion may bereleasably coupled to first upper portion by a shoelace, a hook and loopfastener, studs or buttons

According to a fourth aspect, the present invention resides broadly in akit including:

-   -   a midsole;    -   a sole for releasably coupling to the midsole; and    -   a plurality of uppers, each upper for releasably coupling to the        midsole,    -   wherein the midsole, the sole and an upper of the plurality of        uppers form a shoe according to the first aspect.

The kit may further comprise an insole, wherein the insole is releasablycoupled to the midsole. The uppers may be indirectly coupled to themidsole by the insole.

The kit may further comprise a shank, for supporting the midsole.

The kit may comprise a heel and a shank, wherein the shank is configuredto support the midsole at the height of the heel.

Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combinationwith any one or more of the other features described herein within thescope of the invention.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and shouldnot be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that theprior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference tothe following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1a illustrates an exploded view of an item of footwear in the formof a shoe, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1b illustrates the shoe of FIG. 1 in an assembled form;

FIG. 2a illustrates an exploded cross sectional view of a portion of theshoe of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2a illustrates a cross sectional view of a portion of the shoe ofFIG. 1 in an assembled form;

FIG. 3a illustrates a top view of a sandal, according to an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 3b illustrates a side view of the sandal of FIG. 3 a;

FIG. 3c illustrates a front view of the sandal of FIG. 3 a;

FIG. 3d illustrates a first upper portion of the sandal of FIG. 3a ,according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternate configuration of the sandal of FIG. 3a ,according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5a illustrates a side view of a boot, according to an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 5b illustrates a front view of a boot of FIG. 5 a;

FIG. 6 illustrates a second upper portion of the boot of FIG. 5 a;

FIG. 7a illustrates a midsole, according to an alternative embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 7b illustrates the midsole of FIG. 7a , in an extended form,including a spacer element;

FIG. 8a illustrates a sandal, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8b illustrates the sandal of FIG. 8a , including an additional heelportion;

FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded view of an item of footwear in the formof a shoe, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10a illustrates a close-up view of a front of the shoe of FIG. 9illustrating a channel thereof;

FIG. 10b illustrates a close-up view of a locking member of the shoe ofFIG. 9;

FIG. 11 illustrates a cross sectional view of the toe member of the shoeof FIG. 9 engaged with the mount;

FIG. 12 illustrates a cross section of the heel 915 a of the shoe 900,according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 illustrates an exploded lower perspective view of a shoe 1300,according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 14 illustrates a portion of a shoe 1400 according to an embodimentof the present invention.

Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may bediscerned from the following Detailed Description which providessufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform theinvention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limitingthe scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1a illustrates an exploded view of an item of footwear in the formof a shoe 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.1b illustrates the shoe 100 in an assembled form.

The shoe 100 is versatile and can be changed for style, comfort and wearand tear, as discussed further below. In particular, components of theshoe 100 can be interchanged to form different types of shoes.

The shoe 100 includes an upper 105, a midsole 110 and a sole 115. Theupper 105 can comprise leather, canvas, or any other suitable natural orman-made material, and can include decoration. The sole 115 comprises aforward sole 115 a and a heel 115 b. The forward sole 115 a and heel 115b are, in use, in direct contact with the ground. The sole 115 cancomprise resin, rubber, leather, or any other suitable material.

The upper 105 is releasably coupled to the midsole 110, and the sole 115is releasably coupled to the midsole 110. As such, the upper 105 can bereplaced to change the appearance or function of the shoe 100.Similarly, the sole 115 can be replaced, for example due to wear, or tochange the style of the shoe, e.g. increase a heel height of the shoe.

The upper 105 is releasably coupled to the midsole 110 by a plurality ofretaining members 120 a, as discussed below. Similarly, the sole 115 isreleasably coupled to the midsole 110 by a plurality of retainingmembers 120 b, as discussed below.

FIG. 2a illustrates an exploded cross sectional view of the shoe 100,illustrating the retaining members 120 a, 120 b, according to anembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2b illustrates a crosssectional view of the shoe 100 in assembled form.

The retaining members 120 a comprise upper bulbous heads 205 a, upperretaining slots 210 a, and upper pairs of retaining arms 215 a, insidethe upper retaining slots 210 a, for retaining the upper bulbous heads205 a. Similarly, the retaining members 120 b comprise lower bulbousheads 205 b, lower retaining slots 210 b, and lower pairs of retainingarms 215 b, inside the lower retaining slots 210 b, for retaining thelower bulbous heads 205 b.

In use, the upper 105 is press fitted to the midsole 110 by theretaining members 120 a, and the sole 115 is press fitted to the midsole110 by the retaining members 120 a. The upper and lower pairs ofretaining arms 215 a, 215 b bend outwardly to enable the bulbous heads205 a, 205 b to enter the retaining slots 210 a, 210 b, and partiallysurround the bulbous heads 205 a, 205 b.

If either the upper 105 or sole 115 is to be removed from the shoe 100,it is firmly pulled from the shoe in a direction substantiallyperpendicular to the midsole 110. This causes the pairs of retainingarms 215 a, 215 b to bend outwardly to enable the bulbous heads 205 a,205 b to exit from the midsole 110.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2a -2 b, the midsole 110 includesthe retaining slots 210 a, 210 b, and the upper 105 and sole 115 includethe bulbous heads 205 a, 205 b. This enables a thickness/height of theshoe to be reduced, as a thickness of the midsole can be reduced.

In particular, the bulbous heads 205 a, 205 b may be arranged on theupper 105 and the sole 115 such that they attach to the midsole 110 inan alternate arrangement along a perimeter of the midsole 110. As such,the midsole can be approximately twice a height 220 of the bulbous heads205 a, 205 b, while maintaining rigidity of the midsole 110. Accordingto certain embodiments, a height of the midsole 110 is less than twice aheight 220 of the bulbous heads 205 a, 205 b.

The bulbous heads 205 a, 205 b may, for example, be formed of metal orplastic. The retaining slots 210 a, 210 b can, for example, comprisemetal tracks on the midsole 110. Such an arrangement provides a strongattachment that will be able to withstand normal wear and tear duringusage, and will prevent the upper 105 and sole 115 from inadvertentlydetaching from the midsole 110.

According to certain embodiments, a receptacle is provided in themidsole 110. As such, components of the shoe, such as the toe piecediscussed below, may be stored in the receptacle. The receptacle isadvantageously accessible when the midsole 110 and upper 105 areseparated, or when the midsole 110 and sole 115 are separated, and notaccessible when the midsole 110 is connected to the upper 105 and sole115. The receptacle may also be configured to receive a shank, tosupport the midsole 110.

A cushioned inner sole may clip onto the midsole and be easily removableand replaceable. In such case, access to the receptacle may be providedby removing (or partially removing) the cushioned inner sole.

According to certain embodiments, the receptacle includes a wirelessdevice. For example, the receptacle may include a near fieldcommunication device (not illustrated), for detecting a proximity of theshoe 100 to a receiver. Such configuration may be particularadvantageous for use by children, such that a parent is alerted if thechild/shoe leaves a proximity of the parent.

Preferably, the retaining slots 210 a, 210 b are at least partially (orfully) concealed when the shoe 100 is assembled.

The item of footwear is illustrated as the shoe 100, however the skilledaddressee will readily appreciate that the item of footwear may comprisea boot, a shoe, a sandal, a slipper, safety footwear, a wedge, any othersuitable item of footwear, or a combination thereof, without deviatingfrom the present invention.

FIG. 3a illustrates a top view of a sandal 300, according to anembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3b illustrates a side view ofthe sandal 300, and FIG. 3c illustrates a front view of the sandal 300.

The sandal 300 comprises a sole 305, a toe piece 310 releasably coupledto the sole 305, and first and second upper portions 315 a, 315 breleasably coupled to the sole 305 by a plurality of retaining slots320. The toe piece 305 provides support for a foot of a wearer, and inparticular prevents the foot from sliding forward in the sandal 300 byengaging between the innermost toe (also known as the hallux or “bigtoe”), and the second toe (also known as the “long toe”).

The toe piece may comprise a boss. The boss may prevent the foot fromlifting away from the sandal 300. The toe piece may comprise a toe ring,for receiving a toe of the user. The toe piece may include an aperture,for receiving a portion of the upper, such as a strap that extendsacross the foot.

The first and second upper portions 315 a, 315 b are similar to theupper 105 of the shoe 100, and provide outer support to the foot of thewearer. Similarly, the sole 305 is similar to the midsole 110/sole 115of the shoe 100.

FIG. 3d illustrates the first upper portion 315 a of the shoe 300,according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The first upper portion 315 a comprises bulbous heads 205 a, and anintermediate portion 320 extending between the bulbous heads 205 a. Theintermediate portion 320 can, for example, comprise a leather portionfrom which metallic bulbous heads 205 a extend. Alternatively, the firstupper portion 315 a integrally formed, e.g. plastic or rubber basedmaterial.

According to certain embodiments (not illustrated), the sole 305comprises a midsole and a sole, similar to the midsole 110 and sole 115of the shoe 100.

The shoe 300 is illustrated as a sandal. However, as discussed above,various different uppers can be attached to the sole, which can form anopen shoe, a closed shoe, a boot or the like. In particular, the toepiece 305 may be used to prevent a foot from slipping forward and out ofhigh heels.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternate configuration of the sandal 300,according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The sandal 300 includes first and second upper portions 405, extendingfrom retaining slots 320 on respective sides of sandal 300 to the toepiece 310. As such, the sandal 300 has been transformed into a flip-flop(or thong in Australian English).

FIG. 5a illustrates a side view of a boot 500, according to anembodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5b illustrates a frontview of the boot 500.

The boot 500 comprises a sole 505, in the form of a forward sole 505 aand a heel 505 b, a first upper portion 510 attached to the sole 505,and a second upper portion 515 releasably attachable to first upperportion. The second upper portion 515 is releasably attachable to firstupper portion 510 such that the second upper portion 515 can be coupledto the first upper portion 510 while the boot 500 is on.

The first upper portion 510 comprises a shoe-like upper portion,enclosing the foot, and the second upper portion 515 comprises atube-like portion, enclosing a calf of the wearer. The boot 500 can thusbe converted between an ankle boots/shoe and a high boot, without takingthe boot off. In particular a first zipper 520 enables the first upperportion 510 to be releasably connected to the second upper portion 515.

The second upper portion 515 includes a second zipper 525 that enablesthe second upper portion 515 to be wrapped around the leg rather thanslid onto the leg, as is typically done with boots. This in turn enablesthe second upper portion 515 to be wrapped around the leg while thefirst portion 510 is already on a foot of the wearer.

When not attached to the first upper portion 510, the second upperportion 515 of the boot 500 can be unrolled into a flat sheet. FIG. 6illustrates the second upper portion 515 of the boot 500, in an unrolledform. The unrolled second upper portion 515 can be compactly stored in ahandbag or the like.

The boot 500 further includes a pocket 605, on an inside of the secondupper portion 515. The pocket 605 is advantageously sized to receive acredit or debit card (not shown), or to store cash, a key or the like.

As the second upper portion 515 can be removed without removing the boot500, access to the pocket 605 can be achieved without removing the boot500, while safely protecting the contents of the pocket 605 when thesecond upper portion 515 is attached. As such, the boot 500 can providea convenient and safe alternative to carrying a purse.

The boot 500 is illustrated with zips connecting the first and secondupper portions 510, 515, and along the second upper portion 515.However, the skilled addressee will readily appreciate that otherattachment means may be used, without deviating from the presentinvention, including use of shoelaces, hook and loop fasteners, studs,snap buttons, buckles, hooks, clips or the like.

Similarly, the boot 500 may include third and fourth upper portionscoupled to the second upper portion 515. In particular, several upperportions may be joined together to extend a height of a leg portion ofthe boot 500. In such case, the upper portions can be attached to thesecond upper portion 515 and/or to each other in a similar manner tothat described above with reference to the first and second upperportions 510, 515

FIG. 7a illustrates a midsole 700, according to an alternativeembodiment of the present invention. The midsole 700 is adjustable inlength.

The midsole 700 comprises a first portion 705 and a second portion 710,wherein the first portion 705 and the second portion 710 join at acentral portion of the midsole. As such, the first portion 705 and thesecond portion 710 may be separated to increase a length of the midsole700.

FIG. 7b illustrates the midsole 700, in an extended form, including aspacer element 715. In particular, the first portion 705 and the secondportion 710 have been separated, and the spacer element 715 has beenplaced between the first portion 705 and the second portion 710, toincrease a length of the midsole 700.

The first portion 705 and the second portion 710 may be joined to eachother, or to the spacer element 715. Alternatively, the first portion705 and the second portion 710 may be held in place by an outer soleand/or an upper, such as the sole 115 or the upper 105 of FIG. 1.

The skilled addressee will readily appreciate that the midsole 700 canbe adapted to be adjustable in width, for example in the first portion705 or the second portion 710 of the midsole.

Alternatively or additionally, the width of the shoe may be adjustableby the upper 105. In particular, the upper may be adjustable in width,for example by increasing an overlap of upper portions to reduce a widthof the shoe or decreasing the overlap of upper portions to increase thewidth of the shoe.

Furthermore, uppers in various sizes may be provided to accommodatedifferent foot sizes and leg lengths. As an illustrative example, achild may replace an upper of a shoe as the child's foot grows or needschange, while keeping the midsole 700. As such, a substantial portion ofthe shoe can be reused.

FIG. 8a illustrates a sandal 800, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. The sandal 800 includes a sole 805, straps 810coupled to an upper side of the sole 805, and a first heel portion 815coupled to an underside of the sole 805.

The first heel portion 815 a may be releasably coupled to the sole 805,for example by using a similar mechanism to that discussed above withreference to FIGS. 2a and 2 b.

A second heel portion 815 b may be releasably coupled to the first heelportion 815 a, as illustrated in FIG. 8b , in order to increase a heightof a heel portion of the sandal 800.

According to certain embodiments, more than two heel portions 815 a, 815b may be coupled to the sandal 800 to increase a height of the shoe. Forexample, three, four or five heel portions may be joined together toincrease a height of a heel.

According to certain embodiments, the first heel portion 815 a iscoupled to the sole by a screw, a bolt or the like. In such case, a toolmay be provided in a receptacle of the sole to remove and or replace thefirst heel portion 815 a. The second heel portion 815 b may be coupledto the first heel portion 815 a in a similar manner.

According to other embodiments, the first heel portion 815 a is coupledto the sole by a clip, press-fit retainer, or the like. In such case, notools may be required to remove and or replace the first heel portion815 a.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded view of an item of footwear in the formof a shoe 900, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Theshoe is similar to the shoe 100 of FIGS. 1a and 1 b.

The shoe 900 includes an upper 905, a midsole 910 and a sole 915 and aninsole 920. The upper 905, the midsole 910 and the insole 920 are allreleasably coupled to each other, as outlined in further detail below.Furthermore, the sole 115 includes a heel 915 a (illustrated in FIG.12), which is releasably engagable with the midsole 910.

The upper 905 is releasably coupled to the midsole 910 by a lockingmember 925, which slides along and locks into a channel 930, as furtherdetailed in FIGS. 10a and 10b below. The locking member 925 is then heldin place by the insole 920, which fits over the midsole 910 and thusover the locking member 925 and channel 930.

The insole 920 further includes an aperture 935, through which a toemember 940 of the upper 910 extends and locks into a mount 945 of themidsole 910. In particular, the toe member 940 can be slotted into themount 945 and locked into place by rotating the toe member 940 relativeto the mount 945, as discussed in further detail with reference to FIG.11.

FIG. 10a illustrates a close-up view of a front of the shoe 900illustrating the channel 930, and FIG. 10b illustrates a close-up viewof the locking member 925.

The channel 930 is defined by a floor 1005, opposing sidewalls 1010 a,1010 b extending upwardly from the floor 1005, and a rail 1015,extending inwardly from the sidewall 1010 a. The locking member 925 isdefined by a base 1020, opposing sidewalls 1025 a, 1025 b extendingupwardly from the base 1020 and a channel 1030.

The locking member 925 is configured to slide along the channel 930,while lateral movement is prevented by the rail 1015 and sidewalls 1010a, 1010 b. In particular, the sidewalls 1025 a, 1025 b of the lockingmember 925 (abut) the sidewalls 1010 a, 1010 b of the channel 930,preventing rotation of the locking member 925 in the channel 930, andthe rail 1015 engages with the channel 1030 to prevent lateraltranslation of the locking member 925.

The floor 1005 of the channel 930 includes a plurality of depressions1035, spaced periodically along a length of the channel 930. The lockingmember 925 includes a protuberance (not illustrated) extendingdownwardly from the base 1020, which engages with a depression of theplurality of depressions 1035 to prevent the locking member 925 fromsliding freely along the channel 930. As such, the upper is held inplace by the locking member 925.

FIG. 11 illustrates a cross sectional view of the toe member 940 engagedwith the mount 945.

The toe member 940 comprises a metallic or plastic boss with three lobes1105 that align with corresponding slots of the mount 940 when the bossis twisted 30 degrees from centre. The toe member 940 is pushed into themount 945 such that the lobes 1105 travel along the channels, and isthen rotated into a locking position such that the lobes no longer alignwith the slots to prevent inadvertent removal of the toe member 940.

The mount 945 comprises a moulded ridge that extends around a peripheryof the mount, though which the slots extend. As such, the moulded ridgeprevents removal of the toe member 940 together with the lobes 1105.

A tubular mount of the sole 915 extends upward into the mount 945, andincludes a front sole mount clip ridge 1115, which seats against themoulded ridge of the midsole, and prevents removal of the toe member 940from the shoe.

FIG. 12 illustrates a cross section of the heel 915 a of the shoe 900,according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The heel includes a securing pin 1205, partially overmoulded, andconfigured to extend into and engage with a mount of the midsole 905. Anupper portion of the securing pin 1205 is hollow, and is configured toreceive a securing pin 1210 of the insole 920. The securing pin 1210biases a fastening channel 1215 of the securing pin 1205 against afastening ridge 1220 of the mount of the midsole 905.

The insole 920 is releasably coupled to the midsole 905 by rivets. Inparticular, a male rivet 1225 of the insole 920 engages with a femalerivet 1230 of the midsole in a press-fit like action.

Finally, the midsole includes a square-shaped locating boss 1235, whichassists the user in locating the heel 915 a onto the shoe 900. Inparticular, the heel 915 a includes a corresponding recess, whichensures that the heel 915 a, and in particular the securing pin 1205 isaligned with the mount when attaching the heel 915 a.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exploded lower perspective view of a shoe 1300,according to an embodiment of the present invention. The shoe 1300includes an inner sole 1305, a support shank 1310, a midsole 1315, and asole in the form of a front sole 1320 a and a heel 1320 b, and issimilar to the shoe 900.

The inner sole 1305 includes a plurality of ball studs 1325 that engagewith corresponding recesses of the midsole 1315 in a snap-fit likemanner.

Uppers, such as straps and vamps, and upper accessories, such as bands,ribbons, flowers, chains or the like, may include holes such that theymay attach to the shoe 1300 by pushing a part of the accessary over oneor more ball studs 1325. This negates the need for an extra system tosecure uppers or upper accessories to the shoe, and simplifies assembly.

The shank 1310 is received in a recess of the midsole 1315, and belowthe inner sole 1305, and provides support to the midsole 1315 and givesthe shoe 1300 shape. The midsole 1315 is generally formed of semi softmaterial, and may be configured to conform to different shanks 1310, toprovide different shapes for different heel heights.

The items of footwear disclosed above are incredibly versatile, and maybe adapted to suit changing fashions, changing requirements (e.g.through the addition of safety requirements, or due to weather changes),or due to growth of a foot, particular in the case of children. Theitems of footwear also enable longevity as different sections of theshoe can be replaced due to wear and tear.

According to certain embodiments, the retaining members may include asoft internal overlay to increase wearer comfort.

FIG. 14 illustrates a portion of a shoe 1400 according to an embodimentof the present invention. The shoe 1400 can be adapted in length and/orwidth, as outlined in further detail below.

The shoe 1400 comprises a midsole having a front midsole portion 1405 a,and a rear midsole portion 1405 b, which are held together and supportedby a shank 1410. The rear midsole portion 1405 b includes first andsecond pins 1415, which engage with corresponding portions of the frontmidsole portion 1405 a, to provide lateral support between the frontmidsole portion 1405 a and the rear midsole portion 1405 b.

The shank 1410 includes front and rear apertures 1420, which engage withcircular clips 1425 of the front midsole portion 1405 a and the rearmidsole portion 1405 b. As such, the shank 1410 not only providessupport for the midsole, but also prevents the front midsole portion1405 a from disengaging with the rear midsole portion 1405 b.

The shoe 1400 may be made wider and/or longer by replacing the frontmidsole portion 1405 a, or adjusted in any way though the selection ofmatching front and rear midsole portions 1405 a, 1405 b.

The items of footwear disclosed above may be provided as a kit. Inparticular, a kit may be provided including several upper portions,several heel portions, and/or several sole portions, for changing anappearance or function of the shoe. The upper portions may be providedin different materials, colours, sizes, lengths, styles and thicknesses,to change a style or function of the footwear. Similarly, heels and/orsoles of different heights, colours or styles may be provided.

The items of footwear may include toe and heel uppers that haveattachment points on inner and/or outer sides that can be used to attachthe front toe and back heel sections together withstraps/ribbons/laces/scarves or other means to enhance comfort andstyle.

An upper strip may be used to cover the track/retaining slots on themidsole when not used.

The items of footwear illustrated above are primarily ladies shoes.However, the skilled addressee will readily appreciate that the shoesdisclosed herein can be easily modified to become men's, children's, orunisex shoes.

In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each ofthe stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or morefurther integers.

Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘anembodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, theappearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ invarious places throughout this specification are not necessarily allreferring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features,structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner inone or more combinations.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described inlanguage more or less specific to structural or methodical features. Itis to be understood that the invention is not limited to specificfeatures shown or described since the means herein described comprisespreferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is,therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within theproper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpretedby those skilled in the art.

1. An item of footwear, the item of footwear comprising: a midsole; anupper, releasably coupled to the midsole; and a sole releasably coupledto the midsole.
 2. The item of footwear of claim 1 comprising a boot, ashoe, a sandal or a wedge.
 3. The item of footwear of claim 1, whereinthe upper is releasably coupled to the midsole by a plurality ofretaining members.
 4. The item of footwear of claim 1, wherein the soleis releasably coupled to the midsole by a plurality of retainingmembers.
 5. The item of footwear of claim 3, wherein the retainingmembers comprise press-fit retaining members.
 6. The item of footwear ofclaim 1, wherein the sole comprises a forward sole for supporting afront portion of the item of footwear, and a heel for supporting a rearportion of the item of footwear.
 7. The item of footwear of claim 1,wherein the sole comprises an insole for supporting a foot of a wearerof the item of footwear.
 8. The item of footwear of claim 1, wherein theupper is attached to the midsole by the insole.
 9. The item of footwearof claim 1, further comprising a receptacle in the midsole, wherein thereceptacle is configured to store at least one of: a) components of theshoe; b) a shank for supporting the midsole; and c) a near fieldcommunication device.
 10. The item of footwear of claim 1, wherein theupper comprises a first upper portion and a second upper portion. 11.The item of footwear of claim 1, wherein the midsole is adjustable inlength.
 12. The item of footwear of claim 1, wherein the upper comprisesat least one of: a) a locking member, configured to be received by andlocked into a channel of the midsole; and b) an attachment portionreleasably coupling to an insole of the item of footwear.
 13. An item offootwear, the item of footwear comprising: a sole; an upper, releasablycoupled to the sole; and a toe support releasably coupled to the sole.14. The item of footwear of claim 13, wherein the toe support comprisesa boss.
 15. The item of footwear of claim 13, wherein the sole comprisesa midsole, coupled to the upper, and an outer sole releasably coupled tothe midsole.
 16. The item of footwear of claim 13, wherein the upper isreleasably coupled to the sole using a plurality of retaining members.17. An item of footwear, the item of footwear comprising: a sole; afirst upper portion attached to the sole; and a second upper portionreleasably coupled to first upper portion, such that the second upperportion can be coupled to the first upper portion while the shoe isbeing worn.
 18. The item of footwear of claim 17, wherein the firstupper portion is releasably attached to the sole.
 19. The item offootwear of claim 17, wherein the sole comprises a midsole, coupled tothe first upper portion, and an outer sole releasably coupled to themidsole.
 20. The item of footwear of claim 17, wherein the second upperportion comprises an internal pocket.
 21. The item of footwear of claim17, wherein the second upper portion is releasably coupled to firstupper portion by a zipper, a shoelace or a hook and loop fastener.
 22. Akit for assembling an item of footwear, the kit comprising: a midsole; asole for releasably coupling to the midsole; a plurality of uppers, eachupper for releasably coupling to the midsole; and wherein the midsole,the sole and an upper of the plurality of uppers are configured to forma shoe according to claim
 1. 23. The kit of claim 22, furthercomprising: a heel; a shank; and wherein the shank is configured tosupport the midsole at the height of the heel.